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Select Board signals against routine plowing of parks amid liability and equipment concerns
Summary
After discussion with parks volunteers and public‑works staff, the board agreed it is premature to commit to plowing parks and town‑hall walkways regularly because of sanding, equipment limitations and liability concerns; parks will remain closed to vehicle traffic for now.
The board debated whether to resume plowing of town‑owned park entrances and the town‑hall driveway. Public‑works staff (S12) said plowing the town‑hall parking area is feasible but sanding and equipment configuration are critical to safety. Parks representatives said gates at several parks remain closed to vehicles and preferred to keep parks closed for most storms.
"If you plow it, you gotta be able to sand it," a public-works staff member (S12) said, underscoring the committee’s liability concerns. Board members and park volunteers discussed potential limited clearings (two parking spaces) supported by volunteer fuel donations; overall, the board signaled preference not to resume routine park plowing until equipment and sanding can be reliably provided.
Members noted that changes to road or housing projects in specific areas (for example, work on nearby roads) could change maintenance needs later; for the current season the practical approach is to keep parks closed to vehicle traffic unless an event requires otherwise.
